Mt. Washington by Nelson Crag (August 1)

An exceptionally fine Higher Summits Forecast by Mt. Washington Observatory motivated me to try a summit route new to me with great views - Nelson Crag Trail, by way of Old Jackson Road from the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center. Perhaps because the N.C. Trail is longer and rougher in places than the popular trails, I met nobody until the last mile of my hike, after the Trail touched on the Auto Road at a few points.

Evergreen saplings crowd the section below the tree-line, giving me a bath as I ascended. Above tree-line, low winds and clear skies facilitated striking views up and down the Notch. The steep scramble from the point of contact with the Auto Road up Nelson Crag made me put the poles away for a while, as I needed hands and feet both.

By design, I took the Hiker Shuttle down to Pinkham Center. I hate the pounding of rocky descents and their Senior discount clinched the sale.